About

Kashakas

Kashakas, also known as asalatos, are an instrument native to West Africa.

The instrument has been largely developed in Japan, and has been gaining popularity all over the world.

The instrument is simply two small spherical shakers filled with beads and connected by rope. It is played by holding one in each hand and, by shaking and swinging the shakers through various combinations of techniques, they can produce a multitude of complex rhythms.

Unlike most percussion instruments, they are conveniently portable enough to carry anywhere in your pocket or clipped onto your bag.

Kashakas can be a great benefit to help improve the skills of musicians of all ages and experience by improving rhythmic accuracy, physical coordination, and mental focus.

The instrument is originally made out of a round gourd. The Minoru-made kashakas feature gourds polished to greatly enhance the durability, sound, and look of these instruments. Plastic kashakas offer a reliably consistent size and sound with even higher durability and is perfect for beginners. Each set can be made with your choice of two rope colors.

MINORU

Jeremy Minoru Jacobs is a Portland, Oregon-based percussionist specializing in the marimba and kashakas.

He is a music educator working with several local schools and performing arts ensembles. Jeremy is an educator at IMPACT Percussion, a youth performing arts ensemble located in Kennewick, Washington.

Jeremy has performed with ensembles such as the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps and Rhythm X Percussion.

The name Minoru comes from his middle name, and means ‘Fruition’ or to bloom in Japanese. This seemed fitting for kashakas, as they are originally made of fruit gourds.